02/09/2024
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫...
You’re excited to get work started on your next property or home project, you’ve been planning for months, and you have this amazing vision of what it will look like when it’s finished…
But the reality is not living up to the dream.
What do you do?
As a property investor, I’ve been there...
It’s horrible, it’s soul destroying, it’s disappointing, it’s frustrating, and most of all …
it's DOWNRIGHT AWKWARD 😬
‘Cos now you’re going to have to have a difficult conversation with someone.
And you don’t like confrontation …
What if they walk off the job…
What if they shout at you…
What if you offend them...
It’s keeping you awake at night in a cold sweat... 😓
So how can this be dealt with?
First of all, it’s important to make clear from the outset what outcome and standard of finish you expect.
This initial upfront chat/meeting sets the scene in terms of expectations.
For example, I tell my plasterers that when they are mixing and plastering, I expect them to protect windows, cabinets, plug and light sockets and other fittings, so that splatter does not go all over them (I know it's a messy job, but chipping dried plaster off is not a great job; speaking from experience!)
If you don’t tell them, they won’t do it ‼️
When working with tradesmen, try to work with someone who has been recommended, and preferably someone that you’ve seen their work firsthand.
Keep a regular check on the progress, and if you spot something you’re not happy with, politely point it out straight away.
A diplomatic way of doing this is saying something like “I’m not sure if this is finished yet, but I’m not happy with this finish/fitting/whatever … have you got more work to do on this?
The work may not be finished, let them explain, but if it is finished and you’re not happy, you need to speak up now.
An experienced project manager taught me how to handle this situation.
Say something like this...
‘Hmmmm .. I’m really not happy with how this is finished, can you improve it or is this the best that you can do?’
They will likely want to make things right, give them a chance to do so, but at your next check-in if things have not improved you’re going to have to bite the bullet and say something...
"I’m sorry Joe, this is not the standard of finish I expected, if this is the best that you can do then I think it’s best that you and me part ways. I will pay you for the work that you have done and I’m sorry this didn’t work out".
That’s it … just be firm but polite.
It’s not a good situation to be in, but you cannot let a project continue if you are not happy with the work.
It will cost you more, in the long run, trying to put it right, so it’s best to nip it in the bud ASAP and find somebody else to restart or finish the job.
I've found it easier now to set expectations upfront, it helps to avoid the above, but at some point, we all have to deal with this kind of thing on refurb jobs, it's part of building a great team of trades that you want to work with moving forwards.
Some are great and you'll want to hang onto them, and others ...
Adios my friend 👋🏻
Thank me later 🏡
